Waverley Gymnastics Centre Launches “ElevateHER” to Fast-Track Female Coaching Excellence

26/02/2026

Melbourne, Australia – January 2026

Waverley Gymnastics Centre (WGC) is proud to announce the launch of ElevateHER, an innovative professional development initiative designed to accelerate the growth and leadership of talented female coaches working in high-performance gymnastics.

Grounded in WGC’s values of Excellence and Inspire, ElevateHER epitomises Waverley’s commitment to their coaches and passion to shape the future of elite coaching through intentional, world-class mentorship.

Launching from 19th January to 21st February 2026, this intensive six-week program supports a select group of female coaches through an immersive and highly personalised mentoring journey. This program is by invite only, and is limited to a small group as to ensure depth, quality, and meaningful long-term impact.

Led by internationally renowned coach Janie Ahlstrom, Director of ElevateHER, the program goes far beyond traditional professional development. ElevateHER blends technical mastery, reflective practice, leadership capability, and long-term career planning within a supportive yet high-performance coaching environment.

“ElevateHER was born from a simple belief: If we want more women in elite coaching, we must actively create the pathway, not wait for it to appear.” Janie enthused.

“This program was created to provide a structured space for reflection, hands-on growth, and leadership development.”

Janie Ahlström och Nora Hanfelt1

Image: Janie Ahlstrom with Athlete Nora Hanfelt during the Northern Europeans 2023.

Source: https://www.gymnastik.se/ovriga-sidor/nyheter/nyheter-2024/nyheter-2024/2024-04-11-tranarintervju-med-janie-ahlstrom---att-vara-tranare-ska-vara-hallbart

2026 Program Participants

The 2026 ElevateHER cohort featured three WGC coaches: Jessica Haintz in the Senior ElevateHER stream, and Victoria Whitehead and Stacey Bull in the Development ElevateHER stream. These coaches were selected for their coaching talent, leadership potential, commitment to growth, and alignment with WGC’s long‑term coaching pathways.

 

Program Highlights

  • Individualised goal setting tailored to each coach’s aspirations and developmental needs
  • Weekly documented feedback and performance enhancement strategies
  • Technical skill analysis, including real-time and video-based coaching reviews
  • Targeted workshops exploring technical skill standards, planning, and coaching philosophy
  • Development of 1–3 year career pathways and 12-month action plans
  • Ongoing support through structured post-program check-ins

Participants will work closely with both the Director of ElevateHER and their existing WGC mentors, ensuring alignment and long-term development beyond the six-week experience.

 

Measurable Outcomes for Coaches

  • A personalised career development plan endorsed by WGC’s leadership team
  • A clear understanding of elite coaching expectations, standards, and pathways
  • Increased confidence in technical delivery and decision-making
  • Strengthened self-awareness, including strategies to excel in selected areas of elite coaching.
  • Continued professional support through quarterly follow-ups

 

ElevateHER strengthens WGC’s longstanding commitment to creating leadership pathways for women in sport and fostering a culture where learning, collaboration and excellence are deeply embedded.

 

For more information about ElevateHER, please contact:

Waverley Gymnastics Centre

9887 9611   |   hpmanager@wgc.org.au